Benedict Rattray (Stage Management)
Key details:
- Department:
- Production Arts
- Year of Graduation:
- 2022-23
Biography
Benedict Rattray - CV
What's been your highlight during your time at Guildhall?
One of my highlights was being an Assistant Stage Manager (Book Cover) on Road. Due to COVID-19 and other absences within our company, I ended up calling one of the performances with only a few hours' notice. The reshuffling of our team meant five people, myself included, were required to cover plots they weren't originally meant to, which was a very hectic, yet fantastic experience, but we put on a performance I won't soon forget!
What's been your highlight in the industry?
Working as a Stage Manager on Pride in London 2022 was such an exciting experience, particularly on an event with such a large footprint and outreach, with four stages and three podiums across the whole of London. It was such a pleasure to work alongside 16 other past and present Guildhall Stage Management students, and being so close to the action showed just how vibrant the atmosphere was, and how important the role of a Stage Manager is in an event of this scale!
What other passions and projects have you enjoyed exploring during your time at Guildhall?
Training during a time when COVID-19 moved all our productions online opened my eyes to the role of a Stage Manager and Show Caller in the art of transforming physical theatre for a digital audience. I am therefore exploring this area further in my Graduation Project by working in Guildhall's AV department, looking at show calling and script supervision for the recording and live broadcast of theatre and music events.
What's something you've learned that you feel will help you when you graduate?
When working in an environment as intense and fast-paced as Theatre, having a good relationship with your team is vital. Guildhall promotes such an excellent collaborative atmosphere, working directly alongside students, staff, and creatives from all departments across a theatrical production. Working in this way certainly pushes you to be the best you can be - while also recognising that it's okay to have a laugh too!
What are you most interested in working in after you graduate?
I am particularly passionate about theatre involving live music, such as Musical Theatre and Opera, particularly from a DSM and Show Caller perspective, as well as the recording and live broadcast of these.
Production Work
Camera Caller, Attempts on Her Life - Silk Street Theatre 2023 (David Monteith-Hodge)
Deputy Stage Manager, Autumn Opera Scenes 2022 - Milton Court Studio Theatre 2022 (David Monteith-Hodge).jpg
Assistant Stage Manager (Book Cover), Road - Milton Court Studio Theatre, 2022 (Photo by Mihaela Bodlovic)
Production Assistant, Dennis of Penge - Silk Street Theatre, 2022 (Marc Brenner)
Assistant Stage Manager, Le Docteur Miracle & Cendrillon - Silk Street Theatre, 2021 (Helen Murray)
